Flower arranging blooms at new location

Brian Dooks

POPULAR flower-arranging classes are on the move after 19 years because the Royal Horticultural Society has decided not to run its usual programme of courses and workshops at Harlow Carr in Harrogate between January and August.

The RHS decision follows the construction of its new Learning Centre, which is due to open on the 58-acre site in spring. The charity’s Regions Manager Deirdre Walton has written to Faith Dawson, who ran the flower arranging courses, explaining that adult learning is being reviewed for 2010-11.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “Moving into the new building, fitting it out and learning how to work with its environmentally friendly technologies is a priority for us in the spring of 2010. Accordingly, we have taken the difficult decision not to run our usual programme of courses and workshops between January and August of 2010. This break also allows us to undertake the review of adult learning.”

Anxious not to disappoint the flower arrangers who have attended her courses for 19 years, Mr Dawson is holding her own classes in the Village Hall near her home at Staveley, near Knaresborough.

She said: “They are very keen and talented and we have a lovely spirit running through the classes. I was determined to find an alternative venue and our Village Hall seems a natural choice.”

Her classes begin in Staveley on January 12 and 13, and will continue for 10 weeks until March 23 and 24, with a half term break. Intermediate and advanced classes are to be held on Tuesdays from 1.15pm to 3.15pm, and those for beginners and intermediates on Wednesdays from 10am until noon. Absolute beginners are welcome. Mrs Dawson can be contacted on 01423 340611.

When the Learning Centre opens at Harlow Carr, the RHS intend to triple the number of free school visits to the garden.

Related topics: